Where Pepper & Cinnamon Came From | The Spice Trail | Absolute History

Exotic ingredients have revolutionized eating habits and changed history. The journey to explore the impact of spices on the modern world begins by visiting regions where spices like black pepper originated.

Black pepper, once known as black gold, was a symbol of wealth. The journey takes us to southern India, where pepper cultivation has been practiced for centuries.

The process of cultivating pepper, from climbing bamboo poles to harvesting pepper berries, is explained. The difference between black pepper and white pepper is also discussed.

Arab traders introduced pepper to the rest of the world. Europeans in the 15th century were unfamiliar with the production of pepper.

Portuguese navigator Vasco de Gama's journey to find a sea route to India, landing on the Malabar Coast. The significance of pepper in European trade and its high demand is highlighted.

Pepper production in Kerala, the spice city of Cochin, and the importance of pepper in local economies. The introduction of pepper in Indian cuisine and its medicinal properties are explored.

A visit to Sri Lanka to learn about cinnamon production, harvesting, and the historical significance of cinnamon trade. The skill and artistry of cinnamon peeling are showcased.

The impact of cinnamon trade on Sri Lanka's colonial history and the resistance to foreign interventions. The importance of the tooth relic festival in Kandy is highlighted.

Negotiating the sale of cinnamon, challenges faced by cinnamon farmers, and the impact of natural disasters like the 2004 tsunami on cinnamon production in Sri Lanka.